Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has directed government officials to accelerate recruitment, decentralisation, budget execution, and performance management to enhance service delivery across the country.
Speaking to Executive Directors, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila emphasised the need for strategic and results-oriented recruitment to ensure that key government functions are always adequately staffed.
She called for strict compliance with recruitment guidelines, particularly at Regional Councils, where cases of non-compliance have been noted.
“You are urged to ensure recruitment is expedited and that we are strategic and results-oriented in our procurement process to make sure that critical positions are filled on an urgent basis to ensure that government is at all times capacitated to carry out its core functions,†she stated.
The Prime Minister acknowledged progress in decentralisation but stressed the need for improved planning and coordination among Offices, Ministries and Agencies (OMAs). She called for consistency in implementation and proper monitoring to ensure that the intended benefits reach communities.
She further highlighted that a well-executed decentralisation strategy would allow the government to address concerns more efficiently while ensuring better service delivery at the regional level.
“There is still a need to pick up speed in this regard. We should also improve on the planning for decentralisation to ensure better coordination across OMAs, maintain consistency in implementation and ensure proper monitoring and evaluation of the success of the program,†she said.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila underscored the importance of financial resource management, urging Executive Directors to prioritise optimal allocation and timely budget execution. She stressed that financial prudence was necessary to enhance service delivery and economic development.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to equity and value for money under the Public Procurement Act, noting that effective procurement strategies could improve efficiency and support local enterprises.
“With financial resources always lagging behind demand, optimal management and use of financial resources is always a priority. This entails appropriate targeting of resources to the most pressing priorities and timely execution of the budget to enhance service delivery,†she stated.
As the financial year-end approaches, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila directed Executive Directors to ensure that all outstanding invoices for projects and programmes are settled before 20 February 2025. She warned that delayed payments negatively impact businesses and the broader economy.
She further called for strengthened compliance with payment terms under government contracts and better procurement and project management to avoid unnecessary delays and cost escalations.
Highlighting the importance of effective human resource management, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged executive directors to prioritise employee well-being and adopt innovative HR technologies to enhance efficiency. She pointed out that fostering an agile organisational culture was essential for better performance.
“People’s management is an important and highly complex aspect of leadership. I encourage you to prioritise staff well-being through effective HR administration, embedding innovation into all HR processes, and building an agile organisational culture,†she said.
The Prime Minister called on government officials to build on existing performance management systems and ensure full implementation at all levels. She urged supervisors and managers to take a proactive approach in reviewing progress, providing feedback and holding employees accountable for their performance.
“Lack of performance accountability is the source of poor service delivery. Therefore, all staff members must be held accountable for their level of performance and quality of service delivery, in compliance with the Public Service Act,†she said.
As the government nears the end of its five-year mandate, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila commended Executive Directors for their service and urged them to maintain their dedication to improving public administration.
